A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
